138 THE ANEMONE. 



culus ; but the roots will not bear being long kept out of the 

 ground. 



They are easily forced, and may be had in bloom any 

 month in the year by a series of plantings. 



Both the ranunculus and anemone are propagated, to pre- 

 serve varieties, by division ; to produce new varieties, by 

 seed. 



Every part of the crown, or root, which has a bud, will 

 make a plant ; but it is not well to divide anemones too 

 much, as they flower very weak if too small. The usual 

 colors of anemones are red, white, and blue ; and the flow- 

 ers are single, semi-double, and double. 



The raising of seedlings may be done as prescribed for 

 ranunculus, the seed being saved from the best single and 

 semi-double flowers. 



The properties of a good single anemone are, 



The stem strong, elastic, and erect, not less than nine 

 inches high ; the flower at least two inches and a half in 

 diameter, consisting of large, substantial, well-rounded 

 petals, at first horizontally extended, and then turning a 

 little upwards, so as to form a broad, shallow cup ; the color 

 clear and distinct when variegated in the same flower, or 

 brilliant and striking if it consists of but one color. 



